Coin credit mechanisms and circuits



Feb. 19, 1952 NELsEN 2,586,173

COIN CREDIT MECHANISMS AND CIRCUITS Filed Oct. 31, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet l Feb. 19,1952 M. G. NELSEN COIN CREDIT MECHANISMS AND CIRCUITS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 31, 1946 INVENTOR. I j o/rz/wfif elaen,

BY M 94,?

Feb. 19, 1952 M. G. NELSEN 2,586,173

COIN CREDIT MECHANISMS AND CIRCUITS Filed Oct. 31, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN V EN TOR. HWY/L72 (EA/eke),

Feb. 19, 1952 NELsEN 2,586,173

COIN CREDIT MECHANISMS AND CIRCUITS Filed Oct. 31, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. Man/Ln G Nelsen,

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I v Tm mww whw mww Patented Feb. 19, 1952 COIN CREDIT MECHANISMS AND CIRCUITS Marvin G. Nelsen, Skokie, Ill., assignor to Guardian Electric Manufacturing 00., Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application October 31, 1946, Serial No. 706,931

7 Claims.

This invention relates to coin credit mechanisms and circuits and particularly to coin credit mechanisms and circuits adapted to accept coins of various denominations, add the values in units or credits, then subtract the units or credits, for example, as selections are played on an automatic phonograph.

The invention is particularly applicable to, and is illustrated with automatic phonograph mechanism, but is not limited thereto, as it is applicable to many types of vending machines.

It is an object of the invention to provide improved coin credit mechanisms of the type which accept coins of different denominations and add and subtract credits.

It is a further object of the invention to provide multi-denominational coin control mechanism which is very inexpensive compared to devices now on the market.

It is an important object of the invention to provide such a coin control mechanism which is extremely fast in its operation.

It is also an object of the invention to provide impulse relays for coins of larger denominations than one unit, which relays are self-deenergizing when the proper number of impulses have been transmitted to an impulse adding mechanism.

It is a further object of the invention to provide novel impulse transmitting relays for coins of larger denominations than one unit.

It is furthermore an object of the invention to provide improved and simple control circuits to be utilized in connection with'the aforesaid coin credit mechanism.

It is an additional object of the invention to provide novel stepper control relays for adding and subtracting units or credits.

It is another object of the invention to provide coin credit mechanisms and circuits, one of which will operate on D. 0. current and another of which will operate on A. 0. current.

It is also an object of the invention to provide coin credit mechanisms which dispense with electric motors, gears and complicated contact mechanisms.

With these and other objects in view, my invention consists in the construction, arrangement and combination of the various parts of my device whereby the objects contemplated are attained, as hereinafter more fully set forth, pointed out in my claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a coin credit mechanism;

Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the coin credit mechanism shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the com credit mechanism illustrated in Figure 1, showing one of the impulse transmitting relays;

Figure 4 is a partial sectional view illustrating another of the impulse transmittingrelays shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a schematic-wiring diagram, illustrating a D. C. control circuit and relays to be utilized with the coin credit mechanism shown in Figures 1 to 4; and

Figure 6 is a schematic wiring diagram illustrating an A. C. control circuit and relays.

Referring specifically to Figures 1 to 5 inclusive for a detailed description of one embodiment of the invention, numeral l l designates a base plate on which are mounted two similar upright spaced plates [2 for relays D and Q, i. e., dime and quarter responsive relays. The plates l2 have square cut-outs l3 therein, bent over to form horizontal supporting flanges I4. L-shaped brackets l5 are supported by angles l6 secured to the plates [2 in any suitable manner, which L-shaped brackets l5 support respective electromagnets or coils IT and I8 for relays D and Q and copper time delay slugs I9 and 20 below each of the coils. Insulating material 20a, such as fibre, is disposed between the solenoid and copper slugs.

The angles [6 are provided with overhanging portions 2! and apertures 22 (see Figure 2) which provide knife edges or pivot points 23 for pivoted armatures 2s and 25 associated with coils l'l and 18 respectively. The armatures 24 and 25 are provided with grooved extensions 26 and 21 extending through the apertures 22 to retain the armatures in position on the knife edges 23. Brackets 28 having downwardly turned flanges 29 are secured to angles [6 and limit the movement of armatures 24 and 25. Angles [6 are also provided with lower horizontal extensions 3! and tension springs 32 are connected between the extensions 26 and 21' of armatures 24 and 25 and extensions 3| on angles [6.

Laminations 33 of insulating material are secured to the top of brackets 28 and retain fixed contact arms 34 and 35 and a movable contact arm 36 above solenoid l1 and fixed contact arms 31 and 3B and movable contact arm 39 above solenoid l8. Extensions 4| from brackets 28 extend horizontally above the main part of armatures 24 and 25 and provide upper limit stops therefor.

The movable contact arms 36 and 39 extend through slits 42 in insulating plates 43 attached to the outer ends of the main part of armatures 24 and 25. The movable contact arms 36 and 39 are formed of spring steel and have flexible fingers 44 and 45 cut therefrom carrying contacts 46 and 41' and 48 and 49 on opposite sides of respective flexible fingers 44 and 45. Hairpin springs i are anchored at one end to an intermediate portion of the movable contact arms 36 and 39, and at the other end to the flexible fingers 44 and 45, respectively. The fixed contact arms 34 and 35 are provided with contacts 52 and 53 respectively, and fixed contact arms 31 and 38 are provided with contacts 54 and 55 respectively. The hairpin springs 5I' provide for snap-acting movement of the fingers 44 and 45 between contacts 52, 53 and 54, 55, respectively, as the corresponding armatures 24 and 25 are moved downwardly by the energization of coils I7 and I8, and are moved upwardly by the tension springs 32 upon deenergization of the coils I1 and I8.

Extensions 56 and 51 are secured to the main portion of armatures 24 and 25 and extend through lower slits (not shown) in the insulating plates 43 attached to armatures 24 and 25. Leaf spring members 59 are secured to the extensions 56 and 51 and bias wire pawls SI and 62 toward ratchet wheels 63 and 64, respectively, journalled on shafts 65 and 66 sup-ported from the upright supporting plates I2. Adjustable stop angles 58 are provided for the wire pawls GI and 62. The outer ends of plates I2 are cut and provided with oblique flanges 61. Leaf springs 68 are secured to the plates I2 adjacent the oblique flanges 61 and retain balls 69 in engagement with the ratchet wheels 03 and 64 through apertures (not shown) in oblique flanges 51 to add slight resistance to rotation of the ratchet wheels.

Laminations I2 are secured to the underside of flanges I4 struck from plates I2 and substantially fixed spring contact arms I3 and I4 carrying contacts 75 and I0, respectively, and movable spring contact arms TI and I8 carrying contacts I9 and 8|, respectively, are associated with the plate I2 for respective relays D and Q. Up to this point, it will be noted that the relays D and Q are identical.

A wheel 82, preferably formed of insulating material, is mounted on shaft 65 and rotates therewith. Eight equally spaced notches 83 are provided in wheel 02. Movable contact arm TI is provided with an angular extension 84 shaped to fit into the notches 89, for a purpose hereinafter described.

A second wheel 85, preferably formed of insulating material, is mounted on shaft 66 and rotates therewith. Four equally spaced notches 86 are provided in wheel 85. Movable contact arm I8 is likewise provided with an angular extension 81 shaped to fit into the notches 86, for a purpose hereinafter described.

The add and substract mechanism includes an add electromagnet or coil 88 and a substract electromagnet 89. These coils are mounted on brackets 9I extending from a vertical substantially rectangular supporting plate 92 which is secured to bed plate II. Armatures 93 and 94 for coils 88 and 89, respectively, are pivoted on extensions 95 from bracket 9I. The armatures 93 and 94 have members 96 and 91 extending therefrom which are provided with vertically extending fingers 98 and 99 which engage notches IOI in a wheel I02. The wheel I02 is preferably formed of insulating material and is rotatably mounted on a shaft I03 journalled in a bearing I 04 mounted in the front of plate 92. The Wheel I02 preferably has a large number of notches I0! therein, forty-two being shown, so that fortytwo selections may be played on the phonograph, for example, as hereinafter described.

A second wheel or disc I05 is secured to the outer end of shaft I03 by a collar I06 held on shaft I03 by screws I01. The wheel I05 is also formed of insulating material and has one notch I08 formed therein.

A bracket I09 is secured to the front of supporting plate 92 and laminations of insulating material III are secured thereto. The bracket I09 also provides a stop which is engaged by a pin IIO on disc I05 when the disc is rotated counterclockwise slightly less than 360. A movable spring contact arm II2 is fastened between some of the laminations I I I and a relatively fixed spring contact arm H8 is secured between other of the laminations III. The contact arm H2 is provided with a contact I I4 and with a roller I I5 adapted to engage the periphery of disc I05 and drop into notch I08 when the notch is in one position with respect to disc I05. The contact arm H3 is provided with a contact Il6. As long as roller II5 engages the periphery of the disc I05, contacts H4 and H5 are closed, and when the roller II5 drops into notch I08, contacts H4 and I I6 open.

A bar I I1 is pivoted at M8 on the plate 92 and is biased upwardly by a spring H9. The bar III has a roller I2I mounted on the top thereof, which engages the notches I M in wheel I02 at all times and adds frictional resistance to the turning thereof. Slots I22 are provided in the front of plate 92 and extensions 98 and 99 of armatures 93 and 94 extend therethrough, the edges of slots I22 serving as stops for the movement of extensions 98' and 99. Coil springs I23 are secured to the extensions 98 and 99 and to the plate 92 at a stud I24, which springs bias the armatures 93 and 94 to their raised position.

Referring now to Figure 5, a line LI, L2 conveys D. C. power from any suitable source and one side L2 of the line is connected to coin switches I25, I26 and I21 by leads I28, I29 and I30. As illustrated, switch I25 is for a nickel, switch I26 for a dime, and switch I21 for a quarter. Coin switches which close a circuit upon the insertion of a coin of the correct denomination are well known in the art, and a diagrammatic showing thereof is sufficient, since their construction forms no part of the present invention. It is to be noted, however, that coins of difierent denominations are placed in one slot and pass through the coin mechanism in sequence, so that not more than one switch is closed at a time. The relays act fast enough that all credits for one coin are racked up before another coin closes a coin switch, and no credits are lost. Also diagrammatically shown in Figure 5 is a phonograph motor I3I and a cam switch I32, which includes a set of contacts I33, I34 which are closed each time a record has been played, and are normally open.

Operation of Figures 1 to 5 Assuming first that a nickel is dropped in the nickel slot, switch I25 is momentarily closed, thus establishing a circuit from line L2, through lead I28, through conductors I35, I36, I31, through add coil 88" and conductors I38 and I39 to line LI. Coil 88 is, therefore, energized and armature 93 is drawn down once and then re turned by a spring I23. Extension 98 on armature 93 engages a notch I M of wheel I02 and rotates it, thus rotating disc I the distance of one notch IOI and closing contacts H4 and H6 when roller H5 engages the periphery of disc I05 instead of the notch I08. A circuit is then established from the line LI, L2. Current flows from line L2, through contacts H4 and H6, conductor I4I, through motor through conductor I42 to line L3, thus energizing the motor and any other electrical equipment which may be associated with the phonograph.

Coin switch I32 'is operated in any suitable manner upon the completion of the playing of a record, thus closing contacts I33, I34 for a short interval. A circuit is then established from line L2, through contacts I33 and I34, conductor I43, subtract coil 89 and conductors I44 and I39 to line LI. The subtract coil 89 is then energized, armature 94 drawn down once and returned by a spring I23, extension 99 engaging a tooth IOI of wheel I02 and moving it and disc I05 the space of one notch in a direction opposite to that in which they were moved by the energization of the add coil 88. Roller H5 then drops off the periphery of disc I05 into notch I08, thus opening contacts H4, H6 and breaking the circuit to the motor I3I and preventing any additional playing of the phonograph until the insertion of another coin.

Assuming now that a dime is dropped in the dime slot, switch I26 is closed momentarily. A circuit is, therefore, established from line L2, through lead I29, and conductors I45 and I46 to coil I1 and to line LI through a conductor I41. Armature 24 is, therefore, drawn downwardly and extension 56 operates ratchet wheel 63 once, thus turning wheel 82, whereupon extension 84 on switch arm 11 is forced out of a notch 83 and contacts 15, 19 are closed. At the same time that armature 24 is drawn downwardly, contacts 41, 53 of the relay D open by action of spring 5|, and contacts 46, 52 close. A circuit is established, therefore, from line L2, through a conductor I48, through closed contacts 15, 19, a conductor I49, closed contacts 46, '52, a conductor I5I, through conductor I31, add coil 88, and conductors I38 and I 39 to line LI.

The add coil 88 is, therefore, energized and rotates the wheel I02 and disc I05 to give one credit and to close contacts H4, H6, thus energizing the phonograph motor I3I.

Since the coin has passed switch I26 by this time, the coil I1 is deenergized and armature 24 drawn upwardly by spring arm 36. Spring 5| then opens contacts 46, 52 and closes contacts 41, 53. The circuit to the add coil 88 is then broken and spring I23 returns the armature 93 to the raised position where it is again conditioned to move wheel I02. Since contacts and 19 are now closed, however, a circuit is established from line L2, through lead I48, contacts 15, 19, conductor I49, contacts 41, 53, conductor I46, coil I1 and to line LI through conductor I41. The ratchet wheel 63 is turned another notch, wheel 82 is again rotated, but not a sufficient distance to open contacts 15, 19 and contacts 46, 52 are again closed, thus producing another impulse on add coil 88 and turning wheel I02 and disc I05 a sufiicient distance to give a second credit. The same sequence of operations again occurs, but this time, upon energization of coil I1, extension 84 drops into the next notch 83 on wheel 82 and contacts 15, 19 open. Therefore, no circuit maybe established I3I, and

to energize add coil 88 to produce additional credits, even though contacts 46, 52 are closed, until additional coins are deposited. Coil I1, however, has been deenergized again, and contacts 41, 53 remain closed and conditioned to energize coil I1 upon the insertion of another dime in switch I26.

It is to be noted that conductor I45 is preferably connected directly to contact 53 through switch arm 35. This prevents the relay D from continuing to operate should a coin become jammed or switch I26 remain closed for any reason, as would be the case if switch I26 were connected directly to lead I49.

It is also pointed out that a dime racks up two credits on the disc I05, but the relay D operates three times, the last operation breaking the relay circuit and stopping its operation.

Assuming now that a quarter is inserted to momentarily close switch I21, a circuit is completed from line L2, through lead I36, switch I21, conductor I52, conductor I53, coil I8, and conductor I54 to line LI. The coil I8 is thereby ener gized and wheel rotated in the same manner as explained with respect to relay D, thereby closing contacts 16, 8| on the first energization. Similarly, an impulse is directed to add coil 88, a circuit having been established from line L2, through lead I55, contacts 15, 8I, lead I56, closed contacts 44, 54 (contacts 45, 55 being open at this time), conductors I51, I36, I31, through add coil 68 and conductors I33 and I39 to line LI. Because of the greater spacing of notches 86 on wheel 86 as compared with notches 83 on wheel 32, the coil I8 is operated six times before extension 81 drops into the next depression 86 to open contacts 16, SI and stop operation of relay Q. Five impulses are, therefore, delivered to add coil 88, thus racking up five credits o disc I05. The sixth operation merely breaks the relay circuit.

As each record finishes playing, the contacts I33, I34 are closed, thus operating the subtract coil 89 in a manner hereinbefore described to subtract one credit on disc E65. So long as coins have been inserted. to maintain contacts I I4, I I6 closed, the phonograph will continue to play, and as many coins of different denominations as desired, up to forty-two nickel units, may be deposited.

Description of Figure 6 Referring now to Figure 6, an A. C. circuit and mechanisms adapted to operate on A. C. power are illustrated somewhat diagrammatically.

This circuit includes a dime and a quarter relay, for example, designated by the letters S and L, respectively. The relays may be mounted on a base plate, such as shown in Figures 1 to 4, and are identical with relays D and Q, with the exception that the copper slugs I6 are not used with an A. C. coil, but shading pieces I66 are used. Furthermore, stops I6I and E62 are provided in the place of contact arms 35 and 31, respectively.

The relays S and L include A. C. electromagnets or coils I63 and I65, respectively, having armatures I65 and I66 associated with the coils. The armatures I65 and I 66 are pivoted at I61 and are biased upwardly by spring arms I66. Hairpin springs I59 and I16 are provided on the relays and are secured to spring arms I68 and to movable contact arms HI and I12 on respectiverelays S and L. The contact arms HI and I12 are provided with contacts I13 and I14. The relays S and L are also provided with fixed spring contact arms I15 and I16, and are provided with con.- tacts I11 and I18, respectively. Relays S and L include ratchet wheels I19 and I81, the teeth of which are engaged by extensions 82 and E83 on respective armatures I65 and I66. The ratchet wheels I19 and I8I are secured to shafts I84 and wheels I85 and I86 of insulating material are also secured to the shafts I84 and are rotated by rotation of ratchet wheels I19 and IBI, respectively.

The wheel I85 15 provided with eight equally spaced notches I81 and the wheel I86 is provided with four equally spaced notches I99. Switches including fixed spring contact arms I69 and IQI, carrying contacts I92 and I93 respectively, are associated with respective wheels I85 and I86. The switches also includes movable spring contact arms I94 and I95 respectively, provided with contacts I96 and I91 and with extensions I98 and I99, adapted to be received in the notches I81 and I88 or ride on the periphery of wheels I85 and I86.

An add and subtract relay is also provided and comprises, essentially, an add coil Bill, a subtract coil 202, a ratchet wheel 203 mounted on a shaft 204, and a disc 205 rotated by movement of the ratchet wheel 203. A movable spring contact arm 206 carries a roller 291 adapted to ride on the periphery of disc 205 or be received in a slot 208 in disc 205. A fixed spring contact arm 268 is associted with the movable contact arm. Movable contact arm 206 is provided with a contact 2H and fixed contact arm 209 with a contact 2I2. When the roller 201 is in the notch 208, contacts 2H and 2I2 are open and when the roller rides on the periphery of disc 205, contacts 2 I I and 2 I 3 are closed. A suitable stop means (not shown),

similar to that shown in the first embodiment of.

the invention, is provided on disc 265. In fact, this much of the add and subtract relay is identical with that already described, excep+u that A. C. coils are used, and the add coil is elliptical in shape and has a wide core 2l3, for the purpose of simultaneously attracting three armatures 2M, 2I5 and 2I6 pivoted on a shaft 2 ll of insulating material.

Armature 2I4 corresponds with armature 93 in Figure 5, and an extension 2E8 thereon engages ratchet wheel 203. Fixed contacts 2I9 and HI are engaged b armatures 2I5 and 2%, respectively, when in their upper positions, for purposes hereinafter described. Obviously, one armature may be used with suitable contacts perated thereby. Suitable spring means (not shown) bias the armatures 2H: and 2I6 toward their upper positions into engagement with contacts 2I9 and 22I.

The subtract coil 202 is provided with an armature 222 pivoted at 223 and normally biased upwardly by a spring (not shown). Armature 222 is also provided with an extension 224 which engages ratchet wheel 203.

Also included in the circuit is a phonograph motor 225, a cam switch 226 including movable and fixed contacts 221 and 228, and coin switches 229, 230 and 23I, for example, for nickels, dimes and quarters, respectively. A source of A. C. power designated at L3, L4 is provided.

Operation of Figure 6 Assuming that a nickel is deposited in nickel switch 229, the switch is momentarily closed and a circuit is set up, starting from line Lil, through a lead 255, switch 229, conductors 256 and 236, coil 20I, and conductor 231 to line L3. The coil 20I is thus energized once, and armature 2I4 turns ratchet 203 and disc 205 to give one credit,

closing contacts 2 and 212. Phonograph mo tor 225 is energized by a circuit from line L4, conductor 238, through the motor 225, conductor 239, through contacts 2H and 212 to line L3. When the record is completed playing, the cam switch 226 is operated to momentarily close contacts 221, 228 and energize subtract coil 202' through a circuit from L4, conductor 241 con tacts 221, 228, conductor 242, coil 202, and conductor 243 to line L3. The ratchet 203 and disc 205 are rotated in a counterclockwise direction, roller 261 enters notch 208 in disc 205 and contacts 2H and 2I2 open to break the circuit to motor 225. No more records may be played, therefore, until additional coins are deposited.

While armatures 2I5 and 2I6 will be drawn downwardly when solenoid 20I is energized, no circuits are broken or completed between lines" L3 and L4, as is obvious from the wiring. diagram.

Assuming now that a dime is inserted and dime switch 230 momentarily closed, a circuit is established from line L4, through lead 244, switch 230, conductors 245 and 246, through coil I63 and conductor 241, to line L3. Coil I63 is thereby energized and relay S begins operation, first by drawing armature I65 downwardly and rotating. ratchet H9 and wheel I85. Contacts i92, l96 are thereupon closed since extension I98 is no longer in notch I81, but engages the periphery of the wheel I85. Furthermore, contacts I13, I11 are closed by the action of spring-v When contacts I92, I96 close, a circuit is established from line L4, through conductor 248,- contacts I92, I96, conductors 252, 253,'through contact 22I, armature 2H5, conductors 254 246, through coil I63, and conductor 241 to line L3, thus maintaining coil I63 energized even though switch 230 is open after the coin has passed therethrough.

The following circuit is also established. From line L4, through conductor 243, contacts 192, I96, conductor 269, contacts I13, I11, conductors 25I and 236, through coil 29I, and to line L3 through conductor 231. Coil 20I is thereby energized and all three armatures 2M, 2E5 and 2I6 are drawn downwardly. Armature 2 i4 operates ratchet 263 and disc 205 to give one credit and close contacts 2II, 2I2 and energize motor 225, as explained above. Opening of contact 2I9 serves no function at this time. Opening of contact 22L however, breaks the hold-- ing circuit to coil I63 and the latter is deenergized, thus opening contacts I13, I11 and deenergizing coil 20L Contact 221 is again closed, reenergizing coil I63, closing contacts I13, I11 and moving wheel I another step. Coil 201 is also reenergized, moving disc 285 to add another credit and opening contact 221' to again deenergize coil I63. The same sequence of operations is then repeated, but on this sequence, when coil I63 is reenergized, wheel I85 is moved so that extension I98 drops into the next notch I81 and contacts I92, I96 are, therefore, opened. The coil 20I thus cannot be energized and no further credits are given. Furthermore, coil 20I= and its associated armatures and coil I63 and its armature are conditioned for operation upon the insertion of another dime.

It is to be noted, therefore, that coil I63 is energized three times and wheel I85 moved three steps upon the insertion of a dime, while coil 20! is energized only two times and wheel 205 moved two steps.

As records are played, the subtract coil 202 is energized periodically, as explained above, and credits are subtracted until roller 201 engages notch 208, whereupon motor 225 is deenergized.

Assuming now that a quarter is inserted and switch 23! is momentarily closed. A circuit is established from line L4, through a conductor 232, switch 23!, conductor 235, conductor 251, coil I64 and conductor 258 to line L3. Coil I64 is thereby energized and armature I66 drawn downwardly to turn ratchet I8! and wheel I86 one step. Abutment I99 is forced out of notch I88 and contacts I93, I91 are closed. Contacts I14, I18 are also closed when armature I66 is drawn downwardly, and a circuit is, therefore, established from line L4, through a conductor 259, contacts I93, I91, conductors 26!, 256 and 236, through coil 20!, and conductor 231 to line L3, thus energizing coil 20!. Armature 2I4 is drawn downwardly and ratchet 203 and disc 205 are rotated to give one credit. Contacts 2 I I, 2I2 are closed and the phonograph motor 225 is energized.

Contact 2I9 is opened by armature 2I5 being drawn downwardly, thus breaking a holding circult to coil I64, which had been established from line L4, through conductor 259, contacts I93, I91, conductors 26!, 262, contact 2I9, armature 2I5 and conductor 262. Coil I64 is, therefore, deenergized and contacts I14, I18 open, thus deenergizing coil 20!, closing contact 2I9 and reenergizing coil I64. The sequence is then repeated, wheel I86 is turned another step and disc 205 is rotated another step to establish another credit. The coil I64 is energized six times and the coil 20! is energized five times to give five credits, since the sixth energization of coil I64 drops abutment I99 into the next notch I88, to open contacts I93, I91, and coil 20! is not energized the sixth time.

As records are played, the subtract coil 202 is periodically energized to counter-rotate disc 205 until contacts 2II, 2I2 are again opened, in a manner hereinbefore described.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that a very fast acting, relatively inexpensive, multidenominational coin control mechanism has been provided. Furthermore, the device has but few parts likely to wear and life tests have shown that the device is exceptionally rugged and should normally last longer than the phonograph equipment with which it is generally used.

Some changes may be made in the construction r and arrangement of the parts of my coin credit mechanisms and circuits without departing from the real spirit and purpose of my invention, and it is my intention to cover by my claims any modified forms of structure or use of mechanical equivalents which may be reasonably included within their scope without sacrificing any of the advantages thereof.

I claim as my invention:

1. A control unit for an automatic machine adapted when controlled by a switch to perform in sequence one or more movements, said unit comprising a first switch capable of controlling the operation of said machine, ratchet means for actuating said switch, first electromagnetic means for moving said ratchet means step by step toward and into a position where said first switch opens and'operative after each machine movement to move said ratchet means one such step, second elecromagnetic means for moving said ratchet means step by step out of and away from said position where said first switch opens, first means adapted to be connected for transmitting a single impulse to said second electromagnetic means and second means adapted to be connected to said source of electrical energy for transmitting a plurality of separate impulses to said second electromagnetic means, said second transmitting means including a relay, second switch means including a first and a second fixed contact member and a third contact member movable therebetween, means operated by said relay for closing said first contact on energization of said relay and for closing said second contact on deenergization of said relay, said movable contact member being adapted to be connected to said source of electrical energy, said first fixed contact member being connected to said'second electromagnetic means and said second fixed contact member being connected to said relay, connecting means for said relay and said second electromagnetic means adapted to be connected to said source of electrical energy for forming a circuit, third switch means associated with said movable contact member and means fOr actuating said third switch means operative upon the first energization of said relay to close said third switch and after a predetermined number of energizations of said relay to open said third switch, fourth switch means associated with said relay and operative to energize said relay momentarily for initiating relay operation, the opening of said third switch being effective to prevent further energization of said relay until said fourth switch has again been closed.

2. A control unit for an automatic machine adapted, when controlled by a switch, to perform a series of operations in sequence, said unit comprising a first switch capable of controlling the operation of said machine, ratchet means for actuating said switch, first electro-magnetic means for moving said ratchet means step by step toward and into a position where said first switch opens and operative after each machine movement to move said ratchet means one such step, second electro-magnetic means for moving said ratchet means step by step out of and away from said position where said first switch opens, and means for transmitting separate electrical impulses sequentially to said second electro-magnetic means, said transmitting means being adapted to be connected to a source of electrical energy and each transmitted impulse being operative to move said ratchet means one step, said transmitting means including a plurality of separate relays operative to transmit a different plurality of impulses, said separate relays each having cam means rotated thereby, said cam means each having a difierent number of lobes thereon, a second switch and a third switch for each relay both adapted to control the operation thereof, said second switch having a movable contact member and a pair of relatively fixed contact members adapted to be engaged by said movable contact member, means for effecting the engagement of the movable contact member with said fixed contact members sequentially upon each energization and deenergization of the associated relay, said engagement of one of the fixed contacts being adapted to transmit one impulse and said engagement of the other of said fixed contacts adapted to energize its associated relay to effect rotation of its cam means, a fourth switch connected to each relay, each of said fourth Switches, when closed, adapted to effect initial energization of its associated relay, said second switch being operative after said third switch has been closed by the initial rotation of its associated cam means to energize said relay one more time than the number of impulses transmitted upon sequential energization of said relay and said relay being operative upon its last energiza tion to rotate its associated cam member to a position to open said third switch.

3. A control unit for an automatic machine adapted, when controlled by a switch, to perform a series of operations in sequence, said unit comprising a first switch capable of controlling the operation of said machine, ratchet means for actuating said switch, first electro-magnetic means for moving said ratchet means step by step toward and into a position where said first switch opens and operative after each machine movement to move said ratchet means one such step,

second electro-magnetic means for moving said ratchet means step by step out of and away from said position where said first switch opens, and means for transmitting separate electrical impulses sequentially to said second electro-magnetic means, said transmitting means being adapted to be connected to a source of electrical energy and each transmitted impulse being op erative to move said ratchet means one step, said transmitting means including a plurality of separate relays operative to transmit a different plurality of impulses, said separate relays each having cam means rotated thereby, said cam means each having a different number of lobes thereon, a second switch and a third switch for each relay both adapted to control the operation thereof, said second switch having a movable contact member and a "pair of relatively fixed contact members adapted to be engaged by said movable contact member, means for effecting the engagement of the movable contact member with said I fixed contact members sequentially upon each energization and deenergization of the associated relay, said last means including a spring means adapted to bias the movable contact member in two directions, said engagement of one of the fixed contacts being adapted to transmit one in:- pulse and said engagement of the other of said fixed contacts adapted to energize its associated relay to effect rotation of its cam means, a fourth switch connected to each relay, each of said fourth switches, when closed, adapted to effect initial energization of its associated relay, said second switch being operative after said third switch has been closed by the initial rotation of its associated cam means to energize said relay one more time than the number of impulses transmitted upon sequential energization of said relay and said relay being operative upon its last energization to rotate its associated cam member to a position to open said third switch.

4. A control unit for an automatic machine adapted, when controlled by a switch, to perform a series of operations in sequence, said unit comprising a first switch capable of controlling the operation of said machine, ratchet means for actuating said switch, first electrc-magnetic means for movin said ratchet means step by step toward and into a position where said first switch opens and operative after each machine movement to move said ratchet means one such step, second electromagnetic means for moving said ratchet means step by step out of and away from said position where said first switch opens, and means for transmitting separate electrical impulses sequentially to said second electromagnetic means, said transmitting means being adapted to be connected to a source of alternating current and each transmitted impulse being operative to move said ratchet means one step, said transmitting means including a plurality of separate relays operative to transmit a different lurality of impulses, said separate relays each having cam means rotated thereby, said cam means each having a different number of lobes thereon, a second switch and a third switch for each relay both adapted to control the operation thereof, said second switch having a movable contact member and a pair of relatively fixed contact members adapted to be engaged by said movable contact member, means for effecting the engagement of the movable contact member with said fixed contact members sequentially upon each energization and deenergization of the associated relay, said engagement of one of the fixed contacts being adapted to transmit one impulse and said engagement of the other of said fixed contacts adapted to energize its associated relay to effect rotation of its cam means, a fourth switch connected to each relay, each of said fourth switches, when closed, adapted to eifect initial energization of its associated relay, said second switch being operative after said third switch has been closed by the initial rotation of its associated cam means to energize said relay one more time than the number of impulses transmitted upon sequential energization of said relay and said relay being operative upon its last energization to rotate its associated cam member to a position to open said third switch.

5, A control unit for an automatic machine adapted, when controlled by a switch, to perform in sequence one or more movements, said unit comprising a first switch capable of controlling the operation of said machine, ratchet means for actuating said switch, first electro-magnetic means for moving said ratchet means step by step toward and. into a position where said first switch opens and operative after each machine .movement to move said ratchet means one such step, second electro-magnetic means for moving said ratchet means step by step out of and away from said position where said first switch opens, first means adapted to be connected to a source of electrical energy for transmitting a single impulse to said second electro-magnetic means, and second means adapted to be connected to said source of electrical energy for transmitting a plurality of separate impulses to said second electromagnetic means, said second transmitting means including a relay, a cam having a predetermined number of lobes adapted to be rotated by sequential operation of said relay, a second switch means including a first and second fixed contact member and a third contact member movable therebetween to close said first contact upon energization of said relay and to close said second contact upon deenergization of said relay, a fourth switch adapted to effect initial energization of said relay when closed, means for thereafter moving said third contact into sequential engagement with said first and second contacts upon sequential energization and deenergization of said relay, said movable contact member being adapted to be connected to said source of electrical energy, said first fixed contact member being connected to said second electro-magnetic means and said second fixed contact member being connected to said relay to effect sequential operation thereof, connecting means for said relay and said second electro-magnetic means adapted to be connected to said source of electrical energy for forming a circuit, third switch members associated with said movable contact member, means for actuating said cam means to effect closing of said third switch means upon the first energization of said relay and after a predetermined number of energizations of said relay to open said third switch.

6. Means for transmitting electrical impulses sequentially comprising a source of electrical energy and including a plurality of separate relays operative to transmit a different plurality of impulses, said separate relays each having cam means rotated thereby, said cam means each having a difierent number of lobes thereon, a first switch and a second switch for each relay both adapted to control the operation thereof, said first switch having a movable contact member and a pair of relatively fixed contact members adapted to be engaged by said movable contact member, means for efiecting the engagement of the movable contact member with said fixed contact members sequentially upon each energization and deenergization of the associated relay,

said engagement of one of the fixed contacts M being adapted to transmit one impulse and said engagement of the other of said fixed contacts adapted to energize its associated relay to effect rotation of its cam means, a third switch connected to each relay, each of said third switches, when closed, adapted to eiTect initial energization of its associated relay, said first switch being operative after said second switch has been closed by the initial rotation of its associated cam means to energize said relay one more time than the number of impulses transmitted upon sequential energization of said relay and said relay being operative upon its last energization to rotate its associated cam member to a position to open said second switch.

7. Means for transmitting separate electrical impulses sequentially and adapted to be connected to a source of power, said transmitting means including a relay, a cam having a predetermined number or" lobes adapted to be rotated by sequential operation of said relay, a first switch means including a first and second fixed contact member and a third contact member movable therebetween to close said first contact upon energization of said relay and to close said second contact upon deenergization of said relay, a third switch adapted to effect initial energizetion of said relay when closed, means for thereafter moving said third contact member into sequential engagement with said first and second contacts upon sequential energization and deenergization of said relay, said movable contact member being adapted to be connected to said source of electrical energy, said first fixed contact member being connected to said second electro-magnetic means and said second fixed contact member being connected to said relay to eiTect sequential operation thereof, connecting means for said relay and said second electro-magnetic means adapted to be connected to said source of electrical energy for forming a circuit, second switch means associated with said movable contact member, means for actuating said cam means to efiect closing of said second switch means upon the first energization of said relay and after a predetermined number of energizations of said relay to open said second switch.

MARVIN G. NELSEN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 461,371 Shaffer Oct. 13, 1891 2,122,550 Adrian July 5, 1938 2,325,536 Osborne July 27, 1943 2,330,186 Jetsick Sept. 21, 1943 2,425,974 Winkler Aug. 19, 1947 

